Running (jogging) on treadmill or on pavement....

I wonder why its easier on the road than the sidewalk... Maybe I'll give this a try when I get back outside for my runs!!

Concrete is far denser than macadam. I don't remember the exact numbers, but it's staggering. Especially when you are putting a foot down on it 180 times per minute and the force exerted is something like 3 times your body weight.

I like the treadmill, it kind of forces me to keep pace...the lazy person's exercise! Also, with a size DD cup, I am very self-concious with the bounce factor in public!

You're wearing the wrong sports bra; you need to wear two. One with individual cups and one that is suppression. You will still have a little bounce, but it won't be as bad.

Let me jump on this topic.

In my opinion, I enjoy running outside on a popular trail. Watching other people walk / run is encouraging. In addition, I understand, that the sun is a good source of vitamin D and helps with depression. So, the sun is another source of encouragement.

But, if it is really dark outside or hot, a treadmill helps me keep a routine.

I feel I get a better workout when I am on a treadmill because it forces me to keep a constant pace and it is a lot harder to just stop.

We all run differently. I tend to run heel to and on the outside of my feet. The right shoes make a big difference when running. Not having the right shoe can also contribute to pain. My local running store, RunTeX, helped me find a running shoe and it was the best running shoe, Mizuno, I have EVER had. Now, they were pricey but well worth it. On Mizuno's site, there is a section where you can find the shoe that fits you. (no pun intended).

In summary, trails (better on your feet) as the first choice. Treadmills second and shoes make a difference.

Just my .02

Definately outside...

I was recommended "neutral cushioning" shoes for similar issues and because I am prone to "pronation". New Balance makes good ones that are of a decent price (if you have a factory outlet nearby all the better). I have had 3 pairs of NB's this year and can't complain.

But you want to make sure about which way your foot lands - people either pronate or suppinate - when their foot lands and the wrong type of shoe can make it worse (i.e. result in further misery and injury).

Interesting....I think I supinate. I never really thought of this before! You're awesome, thanks!

Gonna look into some New Balance shoes. The ones I currently have are Nike Free Tr Fit. They are more meant for cross-training I believe. They are very light (which is what I really like about them) but maybe not so good for running on pavement...

Go to a specialty running store to be fitted so you are certain what type of shoe you need. They will analyze your gait and make suggestions based on their observations.

100% agree with this post! I was having shin splints and knee pain (the worst!) and I went out and bought an expensive pair of running shoes - didn't help. Somebody then suggested that I go to a running store and have them watch me walk/run and fit me for shoes. I was first off wearing a size too big - and secondly, I found out I have a slight pronation - so I needed a shoe with a certain amount of support in the right areas. They recommended three pairs of shoes - surprisingly all cheaper than the ones I just bought. I bought them in April and I noticed in about a week that the pain was completely gone. it hasn't come back since. I know that if it starts coming back then I'll be in need of replacing my shoes

I also agree with the statement about running faster outside which makes it harder. I started C25K in Jan and did the whole program on the treadmill. I worked my way up to being able to run about 3.5-4 miles regularly. When I switched to running outside I found it was much harder and could barely run half a mile to a mile sometimes. I did some research and found that it was more likely my pace (as well as the fact that it's not a flat, even surface). I slowed myself down by making a playlist of slower songs I liked (my "pump it up" music was making me go way too fast) and it worked! now I only run outside - i get bored on the treadmill after 2 hours and I don't listen to any music - helps regulate my breathing.

Good luck!!

I like to run on the treadmill because I am able to run much longer. Around here, there is not much flat area to run on so for a beginner (like myself) it is quite daunting and difficult to run. I actually prefer to run on an indoor track, but my gym does not have one.

I really struggle running on a treadmill. I can't keep it up long. For some reason I do better outdoors. I'm not much of a runner, however, as my knees aren't very good. I'm just trying to add it to my cardio routine since the elliptical doesn't get my heart rate as much as it did when I was larger and less fit.

I am not going to get into a discussion (which invariably leads to an argument), but will say that I used to have problems with my knees even after spending a lot of money on special shoes and inserts etc. It eventually stopped me from running for years.

I switched to midfoot landing, barefoot shoes and actual barefoot running on the beach (yes, I pronate, and some believe it is a natural shock absorbing mechanism of the human body). I have been running in flat, non-supportive shoes for 3+ years with NO knee problems. I ran a marathon in barefoot shoes. You might want to do some research and see if it is right for you.

I notice only a slight difference when I run on the beach (extra work for the muscles in the front of the leg), but no difference in regard to other surfaces. I run trails, treadmills and streets.

Good luck!

I am not going to get into a discussion (which invariably leads to an argument), but will say that I used to have problems with my knees even after spending a lot of money on special shoes and inserts etc. It eventually stopped me from running for years.

I switched to midfoot landing, barefoot shoes and actual barefoot running on the beach (yes, I pronate, and some believe it is a natural shock absorbing mechanism of the human body). I have been running in flat, non-supportive shoes for 3+ years with NO knee problems. I ran a marathon in barefoot shoes. You might want to do some research and see if it is right for you.

I notice only a slight difference when I run on the beach (extra work for the muscles in the front of the leg), but no difference in regard to other surfaces. I run trails, treadmills and streets.

Good luck!

I'm happy to hear this worked for you. I contend that the barefoot shoes forced you into proper running form, thus alleviating your problem. It's not barefoot running that works, it's proper form. Proper form can be achieved with shoes too.

I would rather be outside. I have a great park nearby that has an asphalt jogging path. It really absorbs the impact. When I am on the treadmill I lose my balance or I tend to move to close to the front. I do like to watch TV when I am using the treadmill though.

I always run outside. I can't stand the treadmill, or dreadmill as I like to call it. When running outdoors, I think it's important that we understand the effects of different surfaces (dirt, pavement, sand, snow, etc.). This article explains the importance of varying our running routes: http://www.forkstofeet.com/2013/06/whats-better-running-on-pavement-or-dirt.html We shouldn't get too comfortable with just pavement, or just dirt or grass. Instead, we need to incorporate all of these into our regimen to enable our bodies to flourish. I hope this helped. Keep up the hard work!